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Congressman urges action in wake of reported deaths possibly linked to some beverages

– Allison Goldsberry

Democratic Congressman Edward Markey, senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, sent a letter on Friday to the Federal Trade Commission asking the agency to investigate potentially “unfair” and “deceptive” advertising claims made by energy drinks advertisements.

Rep. Markey specifically calls out 5-Hour Energy, Monster Energy, and Rockstar Energy, and cites a recent New York Times story that reported deaths allegedly linked to Monster Energy.

Rep. Markey said the FDA hasn’t substantiated any of the claims made by energy drink advertisements, such as “fix the feeling of tired” and “allow you to do more.”

“The advertising claims made by energy drink manufacturers are particularly alarming in light of the increase in advertisements targeted primarily to children and teenagers,” Rep. Markey said in his letter to FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz.

“Until we know more about the health impacts of these so-called energy drinks, it is inappropriate and may very well be dangerous to advertise them to children and teens,” said Rep. Markey in separate comments.